Chapter 104
Juno’s POV
I leaned against Augustin’s solid chest as his arm wrapped tightly around me. His body radiated a comforting warmth that helped calm my racing thoughts. Across from us, Freya nestled Adryx’s protective embrace, her eyes distant. None of us spoke.
My mind wouldn’t stop replaying the events at Sebastian’s mansion. Something didn’t add up. Why would Sebastian allow Quentor to bring Augustin and what they considered his “hare to such an event? It seemed intentionally designed to humiliate us, especially with Evanth’s public accusations.
Was someone actively trying to drive a wedge between Augustin and me?
This is bigger than just Evanth being jealous of his brother, Seraphine whispered in my mind. Someone’s pulling strings.
I silently agreed with her. As I pieced together the subtle interactions I’d witnessed at the party, the whispered conversations, the meaningful glances, the calculated positioning of people throughout the evening, a disturbing thing began to emerge.
Sebastian seemed to be caught in the middle. The other council members frequently pushed him around, treating him with thinly veiled contempt despite his position. He needed to grow a backbone, or people would continue walking all over him. His inability to stand firm likely explained why Quentor felt comfortable enough to arrange today’s humiliation.
The car slowed as we approached the gates of Levenston Manor Home. I couldn’t deny the sense of relief washing over me
as we pulled up to the entrance.
“I need another shower,” I muttered, heading straight for the bathroom once we reached our bedroom.
“You already showered at Sebastian’s,” Augustin pointed out.
“I know. I just… I need to wash that place off me.”
I stripped off my clothes and stepped under the hot spray, letting the water cascade over my skin. I heard the bathroom door open and close, then felt a draft as the shower door slid open. Augustin stepped in behind me, gloriously naked, his powerful body a sight that still made my breath catch.
He wrapped his arms around me from behind, pressing his lips to my shoulder. “Are you alright, Berry?”
I leaned back against him, closing my eyes. “I’m fine. Just processing everything.”
“I’m sorry about today. I shouldn’t have-”
I turned in his arms, pressing my fingers to his lips. “Don’t. You didn’t do anything wrong.” I looked directly into his eyes. Actually, I was impressed by your self–control. You could have arrested them all right there, and no one would have
questioned you.”
His lips quirked into a small smile. “Is that so?”
“Absolutely. You’re the Alpha King.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, water streaming between us. I was proud of you tonight.”
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Chapter 104.
His eyes darkened with emotion, and he lowered his head to kime, tender yet possessive. When we broke apart, I could see the worry still lingering in his gaze.
“Your brother betrayed you,” I said softly. “That’s not easy to process.”
Augustin’s jaw tightened. “Evanth has always resented me. But go this fat…” He shook his head. “Let’s not talk about him now.”
We finished showering in companionable silence, each lost in our own thoughts. As we dried off and dressed, Augustin glanced at the clock.
“I need to go to my office and deal with this seal and signature situation immediately,” he said, buttoning his shirt.
I caught his arm before he could leave. “Wait. May I make a suggestion?”
He paused, turning to face me. “Of course.‘
“The person behind this either lives in the manor or has someone here working for them,” I began, my mind racing with possibilities. “You should consider using special ink for your signature.”
His brow furrowed. “Special ink?”
“Yes. Something that contains a unique chemical marker or has properties that make it difficult to forge.” I began pacing, ideas flowing rapidly. “You could also use special paper with a unique watermark for official documents, or have a seal made that can’t be easily duplicated. Maybe incorporate hidden marks that only trusted people know to look for.”
Augustin watched me, his expression shifting from curiosity to something like admiration.
“You could even implement a dual authentication system for document delivery,” I continued. “Make sure every document has a traceable chain of custody.” I stopped, suddenly self–conscious. “I know I’m not Luna Queen yet, and I don’t know Clifflands law, but… would you allow me to investigate this matter quietly?”
Augustin’s lips curved into a smile. “I would be honored, Luna.”
This title gives me a sense of satisfaction. Not “future Luna” or “soon–to–be Luna,” but simply “Luna,” as if I already held
the position.
“How would you proceed?” he asked, genuinely interested.
I gathered my thoughts. “I’d trace the path of the tax documents. Who delivered them? Who received them? Who was supposed to receive them? I’d follow the chain back to the source to find who’s behind this or at least who’s complicit.”
I paused, thinking through the logistics. “I might need to go to Lakeside in disguise to get the full story. It’s suspicious that Alpha Elton Riddick didn’t come himself to report the attack. If he truly believed you ordered it, wouldn’t he want to confront you directly? Unless…anyway, he’s untrustworthy on this point”
“You’re remarkable,” he said, “Would you consider working with Bryloch, Adryx, and me on this?”
“I’ll think about it,” I replied with a small smile.
He kissed me briefly. “Rest now. It’s been a long day, and tomorrow will be challenging.”
As he left the room, I knew I wouldn’t be resting. Not yet. First, I needed to ensure Augustin wouldn’t face opposition at
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tomorrow’s council hearing.
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